ToC Critic’s Pick: Ray Scott, ‘Ain’t Always Thirsty’ [Listen]

Ray Scott follows a simple formula with his new song “Ain’t Always Thirsty”: Take a familiar idea or concept, then make it new again. The result is three beautifully painful minutes of undeniable country music.

Dozens — maybe even hundreds — of songs have been written about drowning your sorrows in a bottle of whiskey. Scott’s chorus stands up as an original.

“Cause I ain't always in love when I make love / Sometimes I don't feel a thing / I ain't often hurtin', when I medicate / And I ain't always thirsty when I drink,” he sings, practically bleeding through the stereo speakers.

It’s a personal performance reminiscent of Jamey Johnson’s best records. The deep-voiced North Carolinian takes his time with the story, allowing the cry of the steel to fill in key details.

“It ain't like I woke up this morning / Hopin' I'd be drunk by noon / Pourin' my heart out to a stranger / Oh 'bout the reasons I ain't still with you,” he sings during the second verse of “Ain’t Always Thirsty.”

It’s a traditional ballad by an artist without major label support, which means you’d be fortunate to hear it on the radio soon. It help keep balance to many an iTunes playlist, however.

Key Lyrics: "Cause I ain't always in love when I make love / Sometimes I don't feel a thing / I ain't often hurtin', when I medicate / And I ain't always thirsty, when I drink."